In 1997, Auburn softball competed in its inaugural season. Throughout the 2022 campaign, we are celebrating the many faces, moments and victories that have shaped our program over the last 25 years.
As part of our 25 Years of Auburn Softball celebration, we're checking in with alumni from every era of the program to share their memories of being a Tiger.
One of the top sluggers to wear the Orange and Blue, Kendall Veach (2016-19) was named a Second Team All-American by Softball America in 2019. She also added NFCA All-Southeast Region First Team and All-SEC Second Team honors that season. Also a standout in the classroom, the Selma, Alabama, native was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll every season she played.
Q: Why did you decide to continue your softball career at Auburn?
Veach: I can say in complete confidence that God placed me at Auburn for a reason because it was a last-minute decision. The staff saw potential in me that I didn't see at the time, and I felt called to continue my softball career at Auburn. What a blessing it was!!
Q: What is your favorite on-field memory?
Veach: My first game of my sophomore year when we face Oklahoma in Puerto Vallarta after losing to them in the WCWS the previous year. I hit two home runs that game against Paige Lowery. We beat them 3-2.
Q: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment during your collegiate career – on or off the field?
Veach: Earning a college degree was always my main goal. I worked hard in the classroom and was awarded SEC Academic Honor Roll for all four years and made the Dean's List.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories with a teammate?
Veach: My favorite memory was forgetting the catching signs my freshman year while catching Kaylee Carlson. It's my favorite because in that moment Kaylee did not even know my name. She wound up being my best friend!
Q: Looking back at your career, what is one word you'd use to describe it?
Veach: Humbling. Softball teaches you so many life lessons. One minute everything is going great and the next it's not. Dealing with adversity and developing a way to handle life's hardships is one of the greatest challenges. Softball teaches you to be humble, stay true to yourself and to continuously work hard and never give up.
Q: Who influenced your softball career the most?
Veach: My dad. He has always pushed me to do my best at not only softball, but in everything I do in life. Even when I looked him in the eyes and told him I wanted to quit softball for good at 10 years old, he wouldn't allow me to because quitting is the only way you fail at something. My dad has always been my rock and my go-to after a bad game or bad day. He always knows how to pick me up when I'm down, and that is how I was able to have the career I had at Auburn.
Q: What was your favorite uniform combo?
Veach: Of course, the icy whites on Sunday!
Q: What advice would you give to current/future Auburn softball student-athletes?
Veach: Greatness is a way of life. Strive to be GREAT in all aspects of your life.
Q: If you can give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
Veach: The Auburn family is what makes Auburn such a special place. The fans had our back through thick and thin and even sat through all weather conditions just to watch us play. The fans gave us so much energy and momentum whether we were 10 runs ahead or 10 runs down. I love the Auburn family, WAR EAGLE!!!
Q: What degree did you earn? What is your current career path?
Veach: I earned a degree in exercise science at Auburn. I am currently at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pursing my master's in occupational therapy.